IT'S known for its display of exotic plants from around the world — but the National Botanic Garden of Wales could soon be renowned for its meat produce.

From this month the tourist attraction's farm at Pantwgan in Llanarthne is the new place to get top quality organic Welsh Black beef and lamb.

Farm manager Tim Bevan said: "The first box of lamb was sold last week. The first box of Welsh black beef will hopefully go out from Friday.

"We're just starting out and finding out what demand entails."

Lamb boxes will come in at around eight kilos and the Welsh Black beef at around 10 kilos.

Boxes cost around £95.

Tim added: "All our animals are grass fed and completely organic.

"They're bred and reared on the farm and will be slaughtered and butchered in Tregaron so the food miles are kept down to an absolute minimum.

"It's quality produce which is also looking after the environment welfare friendly, it hasn't been moved around or mishandled."

Last summer Wales's native breed become an integral part of the landscape around the gardens when the herd was established on the 300 acres of mostly old pastures which are part of the 500-acre site. The cattle were introduced as a way of managing the grazing areas and semi-improved land, to which the hardy Welsh Black cattle are ideally suited. The herd started with 35 pedigree Welsh Blacks, comprising cows and calves, a bull, bulling heifers and a few steers.

Apart from the bull, all the cattle had been organically reared and sourced from three Breed Society members in South Wales — the Brynonnen, Cennen and Cwmiar herds.

The products will be launched at a Friday lunch in the Polyn restaurant.

Tim added: " It is possible that it could be rolled out to local restaurants in the future if demand is required."

To place an order or for more information contact the garden on 01558 668768 or email info@gardenof wales.org.uk.